Embedded Software Architect

Ambiq Micro, Inc
Austin, United States of America
24 days ago

Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Working hours
Regular working hours
Languages
English

Job location

Austin, United States of America

Tech stack

ARM
C++
ETL
Software Debugging
Memory Management
Embedded Software
Firmware
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
Multiprocessing
Software Architecture
Software Prototyping
Real-Time Operating Systems
Requirements Traceability
Software Requirements Analysis
Video Editing
Real Time Systems
Caching
Bare Metal

Job description

We are expanding our Austin engineering organization and hiring a Principal Embedded Software Architect to define the software architecture and requirements for our next-generation Edge AI MCU platforms.

This role sits at the hardware/software boundary - partnering directly with SoC architects, product teams, IP vendors, and embedded software leaders to shape how our silicon is exposed, controlled, optimized, and validated.

You won't just write code. You will define how the system behaves. What You'll Own

As Embedded Software Architect, you will:

  • Define the software architecture for next-generation low-power Edge AI MCUs
  • Drive early-stage functional allocation between hardware and software
  • Develop and refine Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) tied to real customer use cases
  • Lead architectural decisions across:
  • Multi-processor communication
  • Control/data plane separation
  • Data movement acceleration
  • Memory management and protection
  • Dynamic resource allocation
  • Power optimization strategies
  • Debug and visibility tooling
  • Partner with SoC architects to influence hardware/software trade-offs
  • Support software prototyping to validate architectural decisions
  • Act as architectural SME through implementation, validation, and bring-up phases
  • Review designs, test plans, and implementation details to ensure alignment with architectural intent
  • Mentor engineers and define best practices across embedded teams

This is a high-impact architectural role influencing multiple MCU generations. Technical Environment

You will work deeply across:

  • ARM Cortex-M architectures
  • Bare metal and RTOS-based systems
  • Asymmetric multi-core systems
  • Inter-processor communication (OpenAMP, RPMsg, etc.)
  • Data movement engines and acceleration blocks
  • MMU/MPU, caches, shared memory, dual-port memory
  • Power management (DVFS, clock gating, low-power states)
  • FPGA-based emulation platforms and full reference systems

You will be embedded within engineering teams while influencing cross-functional decisions across silicon and software domains.

Requirements

We're looking for self-motivated, creative problem-solvers who are eager to push technological limits and make a real impact in energy efficiency., * BS or MS in EE, CE, or CS

  • 12+ years developing embedded software for real-time systems
  • Deep experience on ARM Cortex-M platforms
  • Strong C/C++ (assembly experience preferred)
  • Experience defining and writing Software Requirements Specifications (SRS)
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Functional allocation
  • Requirements traceability
  • Testability across pre-silicon and post-silicon platforms
  • Experience with asymmetric multicore architectures
  • Strong knowledge of memory systems, data movement, and processor interaction
  • Ability to independently drive architectural decisions

Preferred Experience

  • Power optimization strategies in embedded systems
  • TrustZone for M-class microcontrollers
  • Trusted firmware environments
  • Graphics, display, or audio/video processing
  • Experience working with IP vendors and external silicon partners, Must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor or transfer visas for this role.

About the company

Ambiq is on a mission to enable intelligence everywhere - powering the AI edge revolution with the world's lowest-power semiconductor solutions. Built on our proprietary sub- and near-threshold technology, our chips deliver multi-fold improvements in energy efficiency without costly process scaling. Since 2010, we've shipped over 300 million units to customers building smarter wearables, medical devices, IoT products, and AI-powered edge applications. Our cross-functional teams span design, research, development, production, marketing, sales, and operations across Austin, Hsinchu, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore. We move fast, tackle hard problems, and create space for people to grow through complex, meaningful work that shapes the future of technology.

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